What's Another Year? Ireland to boycott Eurovision again
It may be billed as the largest live music event in the world but the statement from RTÉ today confirming that Ireland will not take part in the next Eurovision Song Contest which due to be held on Bulgaria in 2027 came as a no big surprise.
After a record seven victories, Ireland has decided to boycott the Eurovision Song Contest for the second consecutive time in 2027. The public broadcaster RTÉ announced the decision, citing the ongoing loss of life in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis in the region. This move comes after Ireland's last win in 1996, marking a 30-year gap since its last top prize.
The EBU has tried to address broadcasters' concerns over the participation of Israel, implementing measures such as returning juries to semi-finals and capping votes from 20 to 10 per voting method. However, RTÉ remains deeply concerned about the denial of independent access to international journalists in Gaza. Eurovision director Martin Green regrets RTÉ's decision but respects it, noting that the EBU values the broadcaster as a family member.
Meanwhile, support acts for Ed Sheeran's US tour have withdrawn in solidarity with Macklemore's stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict, further impacting Ireland's music community.
Written by urgent.news from RTE News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
